1. It's a different kind of fantasy. It's hard to find fantasies out there that aren't set in Medieval England, and STORMDANCER does Japanese steampunk right, with an almost overwhelming assault of detailed world-building on the reader. You may feel like the first 50 pages are too clunky, with all the world-building, but then, as the plot progresses, you slip right into the world and can really envision it cinematographically. You know how some speculative fiction have underwhelming world-building where inconsistencies and gaps get in the way of the story? Yup, not here.
2. Buruu and Yukiko's relationship is one for the books. Fictional human-creature relationships are often a lot of fun to read about. In STORMDANCER, Buruu has a personality we grow to love, and there are moments when I cracked up from his snark. Jay Kristoff deftly writes how an unshakeable friendship connection can change both parties irrevocably.
3. STORMDANCER is arguably the most relevant book I've read all year. Tears welled in my eyes as I read, for I recognized, in the midst of the different speculative setting, the pain and the frustration of attempting to improve some of the huge problems in our world. And I hope that this is something other readers will be affected by as well.
A DYING LANDSTORMDANCER will be published in hardcover by Thomas Dunne Books on September 18, 2012. Visit Jay Kristoff's author website for more info.
The Shima Imperium verges on the brink of environmental collapse; an island nation once rich in tradition and myth, now decimated by clockwork industrialization and the machine-worshipers of the Lotus Guild. The skies are red as blood, the land is choked with toxic pollution, and the great spirit animals that once roamed its wilds have departed forever.
AN IMPOSSIBLE QUEST
The hunters of Shima's imperial court are charged by their Shōgun to capture a thunder tiger – a legendary creature, half-eagle, half-tiger. But any fool knows the beasts have been extinct for more than a century, and the price of failing the Shōgun is death.
A HIDDEN GIFT Yukiko is a child of the Fox clan, possessed of a talent that if discovered, would see her executed by the Lotus Guild. Accompanying her father on the Shōgun’s hunt, she finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in Shima’s last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled thunder tiger for company. Even though she can hear his thoughts, even though she saved his life, all she knows for certain is he’d rather see her dead than help her.
But together, the pair will form an indomitable friendship, and rise to challenge the might of an empire.
I was fortunate enough to be able to read STORMDANCER early, thanks to the generosity of some lovely people. And now, I want to pass this story on to you, if you're interested. There will be 1-3 winners (I'm not certain how many copies of this ARC I have, haha). This giveaway is open internationally and ends Tuesday, August 14, 2012. I will not be announcing the winners here; you will get an email from me if you win. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Because the cover looks awesome :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDelete-oops, and I should have added: because it's gotten fantastic reviews and I love the cover, too!
DeleteI think the main problem is apathy, no one seems to care. We do not care about how our actions impact the not only the environment but each other. We don't think about the consequences, we only see the $$$$ which is sad.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you interested in reading STORMDANCER?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I'm really intrigued by the "Japanese steampunk" descriptor. Could be really cool or facepalm-awful, but I'd love to find out either way. (And it sounds like this is not in the facepalm-awful category, which helps!)
What do you think is the world's biggest problem today?
It depends on which lens you're viewing the world through. Right now, since I'm bedridden because my back went crooked 3 days ago, I'm leaning towards the lack of job security/medical care for people who are injured. 3 days without work & I don't know if I'll be able to pay my bills unless I'm granted retroactive vacation hours (I don't get sick leave). But last week, right after I finished reading Escape from Camp 14, I would've said the biggest problem is that a country (or even mentality?) exists where people can be treated like less than human. Worse than many animals, even. Actually, that's still a really big problem, it's just not as personal to me right this minute :P But the lack of medical care and help for people who are sick/injured is still really bad in places that aren't North Korea (and also in North Korea), it just happens to be on my mind right now.
The world can be a crappy place, but it's a good thing we have people who are working to make it better, and of course books and music and so on to help a lot :) And then books like this one help us recognize problems and work to improve things! (Trying my best to end this comment on a positive note here.... :P)
Why are you interested in reading STORMDANCER?
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in the premise, and I also really love the cover. I am a big fan of Jason Chan's art work, and I typically enjoy the books that he gets cover illustration jobs for.
What do you think is the world's biggest problem today?
I think apathy and lack of awareness are big issues today. In general, we are so focused on our day to day lives that we don't stop and think about the possible ramifications for the things that we say or do.
Why are you interested in reading STORMDANCER?
ReplyDeleteI love steampunk novels. I've never read one set in Japan (most, if not all, of the steampunk books I've read are set in Victorian London) and I think it could be very interesting. Reviews so far seem to be enthusiastic. The cover is beautiful too, even though I prefer the UK version.
What do you think is the world's biggest problem today?
Ah, difficult question. The world has a lot of issues. I'd say one of the biggest problems is the disproportion between a relatively small number of rich countries and the rest of the world population.
Why are you interested in reading STORMDANCER?
ReplyDeleteI've known Jay (though admittedly not well!) since before his book deal and have been intrigued since discovering the premise. And with all the fantastic reviews springing up over these past couple of weeks... Clearly I've got to get my hands on this pronto.
What do you think is the world's biggest problem today?
I am nowhere near so well-versed in politics and world events that I can answer this question. That aside, in my inexpert opinion, I suspect it's people focusing on their own happiness and goals to the exclusion of others. A lot of the world's problems could be fixed by the wealthy and powerful taking a stronger stance--and almost all of those problems are caused by the wealthy and powerful privileging their own needs over other people's.
Why I want to read Stormdancer: Japanese Steampunk? That sounds AWESOME. I'm a huge fan of steampunk and I'm eager to see how Kristoff works in the Japanese culture. Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteOur biggest problem today: There are at least two sides to every issue, and it used to be that the two sides could coexist at least on a superficial level. But over time, the divide between sides has become too wide; no one wants to be the one to jump across anymore. People refuse to listen to one another and work it out, and the whole world has become a mess of shouting and hurled insults.
I want to read it because Jay is bloody awesome!!! The cover is brilliant. I'm so intrigued by the premise and am really anticipating this release!!
ReplyDeleteBiggest problem: Everyone wants a quick fix to our problems. That's the issue. There isn't one. And the people aren't willing to put in the effort that is needed.
I love Japanese culture and this sounds amazing! I must add it to my shelf!
ReplyDeleteI love love LOVE anything related to Asian culture and I love books, put two and two together and you get a fantastic book!
ReplyDeleteI read the first 3 chapters online at TOR.com and fell immediately in love with this completely new concept. I taught English in central China for a year and a summer after college and enjoy Asian culture. Kristoff did an amazing job with his Japanese steampunk world. I also love the depth and layers between Yukiko and her father. I can tell it's going to be great. I'd love to read and review this book on Goodreads, Amazon, YABC and my own blog. Thank you very much for this opportunity!!
ReplyDeleteI think our biggest problem is the way we squander and treat the environment. If we don't watch it, the grim future this book portrays with the red and grey skies and everything dying, things not being able to grow, will be a reality. Great question!
ReplyDeleteI'll be honest, this book wasn't even on my radar until I saw the cover. And wow, it's gorgeous. The more I read about this book the more I want to read it though. Japanese steampunk! Spirit animals! I need it now!
ReplyDeleteI think the biggest problem today is ignorance and hate. There seems to be more and more of it every day and it sickens me. I don't know why people just can't be decent to each other.
I love Japanese culture, so Stormdancer is must for me. Japan is one of the most awesome nations on earth!!
ReplyDeleteThe biggest problem in our world is probably corruption and greed. Because of our desires, the environment is destroyed and a billion people starve each night.
There are a lot of problems today that I can't even say which one is the worst.
ReplyDeletePollution, hate, ect.
The cover looks awesome, and I love steampunk and Japanese culture
ReplyDeletebecause the story just sound plain awesome !
ReplyDeleteI think the world's biggest problem is the total lack of love for one another
ReplyDeleteI want to read this book because it sounds very good. I think the world's biggest problem is money. No one seems to care about anyone else. All they care about is money and power. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting this one for a while now--and now more so!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of the book until now, but I too prefer fantasy that isn't set in medieval England (or something very similar but with a fantasy twist). So I'm definitely interested in this one.
ReplyDeleteI have had this book on my TBR list for a long time now and I really want to read it because for one, the cover is gorgeous and it would look really pretty on my bookshelf, and two the storyline sounds bad-ass and Japanese Steampunk?! Count me in.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think the world's biggest problem is that people can't accept each other despite all of the things that set us apart.
I'm interested in reading Stormdancer because of its high-concept premise. I've never encountered Japanese steampunk before.
ReplyDeleteIn developed countries, I feel like a big problem is the planned obsolescence of consumer goods. For example, mobile phone are engineered to last only two years and cheap clothing is designed to fall apart with the cycles of fast fashion. Small household appliances cost more to fix than to replace. Consumers' entitled attitudes that goods are disposable contribute to greater depletion of energy and natural resources to keep up with continual production, increased pollution (through energy use and filling up landfills), and exploitation of workers in undeveloped and developing countries.
This is something new! I mean, Japanese steampunk? Wow, I want to try that. I think one of the biggest problems today is over consumerism and pollution.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBecause I've read a lot of comments saying how amazing this book is and the cover is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for the giveaway and for making it International :)
I've heard so much about this book, thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to read it because it sounds like a dystopian steampunk. It has a very unique premise to it. The biggest problem in the world today, I think, is that people are too selfish. It's all about me, me, me, and doing whatever you can to benefit yourself put not others. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThe plot looks interesting. I can't wait to read it. I'll check if its available in eBook.
ReplyDeleteSince I saw the cover, and heard the premise, I knew this was going to be something I wanted to read. I agree that it is great to see a different setting and culture.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest problem is hard to pin down. The one that I think affects us all really is taking care of the environment so we can keep the world healthy for future generations.
ReplyDeleteIt was the awesome cover that drew me to stormdancer, but after reading the synopsis I knew I had to read it! And now, all I've read or heard about it is how awesome it is, so I just want to read it even more!! Also, this is something completely different than I've read before : ) I think the biggest problem with the world right now is all the violence and anger people and countries seem to have for each other, but that's something I would have no idea how to even begin to fix!! :P
ReplyDeleteI've read nothing but positive reviews for Stormdancer and your points only add to the praise. I can't wait to read it!
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ReplyDeleteI can't spell, sorry for the deleted comment :)
ReplyDeleteI want to read Stormdancer because it has gotten a ton of positive reviews and I LOVE YA books with Asian characters.
I think the biggest problem with the world today is willful ignorance and a lack of self responsibility.
Because it's a different kind of Dystopia novel. And look at that cover! >.< Gorgeous!<3
ReplyDeleteNeyra-
I think the biggest problem with the world today is everyone is too power/money hungry. They're most focused on loving things and using people instead of loving people and using things.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in reading Stormdancer because it sounds amazing and I've seen great reviews all over the place.Plus Japanese Steampunk?I want to know how it is :)
ReplyDeleteI think the world's biggest problem today is taking care of our environment.We need to do what we can to protect and preserve trees instead of just building concrete jungles.
Because it looks incredible! And it mixes two of my favorite things: Japanese culture and steampunk!!
ReplyDeleteTo be honest,there aren't many Asian MC out there. Everyone has been raving how good this book was and I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what is the biggest problem because there are so many of them right now.
I want to read it because everyone who read the book said it was fantastic!
ReplyDeleteBiggest problem is apathy like some people said. While everyone care only about themselves and don't see others there is no way that something can change. Rich people will only become richer and poor only poorer.
I've been following Jay's blog for a couple years now and he's hilarious. I'm sure the book is just as awesome--besides, with a blurb like those--i mean wow! Who wouldn't wanna read about that fantastical world rich with Japanese culture??
ReplyDeleteI haven't really read any steampunk so I'm interested to see if I'll like it by reading one like this with an awesome plot.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks amazing! Why do I want to read it? The concept is intriguing, plot sounds exciting, and I like the sound of the main character. LOTS of great reviews so far too. And... that cover!
ReplyDeleteWhat's the biggest problem with the world today? Oh gosh, hmm... I think I'll have to go with apathy, as others have said. The problem is that people never do enough to fix the problems. There are truly amazing people trying to be proactive, but if the majority don't care, and the people in power don't care, then the problems just continue.
Three words: Japanese steampunk fantasy. I haven't seen a lot of books featuring Japanese culture and folklore, so I'm eager to read Jay's story. Plus the cover is just PRODIGIOUS.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the biggest problems with the world these days is that we don't listen to one another. We try to say that what we know is the right answer when there could be multiple right answers if not multiple ways to get the right answer. If we could just sit back and listen, maybe there would be less trouble in the world now.
I am always looking for books with more diverse main characters and this looks awesome!
ReplyDeleteOne word: aZn!!!!!
ReplyDelete(that was barely a word too)
Oh geez, world's biggest problem...lack of consciousness
ReplyDeleteI want to read this book because it's been SO LONG since I read a steampunk that didn't make me cringe. I want to be wowed! I want those griffin things! and I WANT THAT SWORD!
ReplyDeleteI want to read it because the blurb is amazing and I'm really atracted to anything related to Japan, that's the main reason. But also the cover is one of the best I've seen in a whileand the novel is getting excellent reviews.
ReplyDeleteAnd the world's biggest problem...money, of course. I think it's always money (and power, but they tend to be related). Money is the cause of most of the other huge problems: war, pollution, hunger, exploitation...
Because I'm fascinated by Japan and genre of Steampunk.
ReplyDeleteThe world's biggest problem would be global warming, our earth is dying.
I was intrigued by the summary and attempted to get a copy while at BEA but alas, I didn't succeed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win a copy!
I think there are a few issues for the world:
ReplyDeletehealth care accessibility/affordability
the environment : pollution, farm land, building in excess, oil in oceans, anything that effects the environment
Energy sources - we have the technology to turn cars into battery run, we have solar panels or even wind or water sources, our dependency on gasoline is disgusting
Those are the major things I can think of.
Because I fell in love with the idea and plot-line ever since I read the summary for it on Goodreads, and I'm a sucker for novels with Guilds and elements of fantasy and magic!
ReplyDeleteThere's so many problems that our earth is currently suffering; what can I say, we live in pretty messed up world! One of our biggest problems, which has always been something that has worried me, is the poverty that the Third World countries share. It sometimes makes me feel like crying when I hear, read and see stories about all these young children who have nothing to eat, who are dying of thirst and hunger and sickness because they can't afford food, water or medicine. I often try to remind myself what these people go through, so I realise how incredibly lucky I am.
ReplyDeleteI love to read the book because I think it gives a different flavor onto the world of YA fantasy books w/ the Japanese thing you've said earlier.What I think is the biggest problem of the world is the greediness of the people.The global warming and poverty.
ReplyDeleteInterested in Stormdancer because of the perfect cover. <3 So gorgeous :D Plus, awesome story line ;) It makes it sounds like a perfect book. :) Which it was. Have read it via NetGalley (A) But I need a real ARC. So that I can re-read it. And love it even more. <3
ReplyDelete